Athletic training device

ABSTRACT

A device for the purpose of assisting and training an individual in a sport wherein a ball is struck by an instrument, and wherein it is desired to train the athlete to watch the ball at the instant of impact of the implement therewith. The device includes an outer spherical member having a translucent portion, and disposed within the outer sphere is an abrasive surface adapted to be engaged by a spark producing device at the instant of impact. The abrasive surface may be located either on a wall located inside the outer spherical member, on the outer surface of a second spherical member located centrally of the outer spherical member or on a wall extending across the second spherical member. In the latter instance,the space between the two spherical members may be filled with a fluid which drives the spark producing device, e.g., a flint, across the abrasive surface.

1 w i United States atet m1 [111 3,731,928

Wolfe [4 1 ay 8, 1973 [54] ATHLETIC TRAINING DEVICE PrimaryExaminer-George J Marlo [76] Inventor: Warren Earl Wolfe, 6290 Wing LakeRoad, Birmingham, Mich. k 48010 [57] ABSTRACT A device for the purposeof assisting and training an [22] Flled' 1972 individual in a sportwherein a ball is struck by an in- [2l] Appl. No.: 243,767 strument, andwherein it is desired to train the athlete to watch the ball at theinstant of impact of the implement therewith. The device includes anouter spheri- [52] "273/26 273/1 ggi lf d cal member having atranslucent portion, and disposed within the outer sphere is an abrasivesurface adapted [51] Int. Cl. ..A63b 69/40, A6635b86?/336 to be engagedby a Spark producing device at the of Search 8 Stan: of impact. Theabrasive Surface may be located 273/60 2l346/m either on a wall locatedinside the outer spherical member, on the outer surface of a secondspherical [56] References and member located centrally of the outerspherical UNITED STATES PATENTS member or on a wall extending across thesecond spherical member. In the latter 1nstance,the space 1,842,9441/1932 OBrien ..273/l83 C between the two spherical members may befilled with 1,862,996 6/19 no a fluid which drives the spark producingdevice, e.g., a 3,435,554 4/1969 Philips ..46/l0 flint, across theabrasive f 3,580,575 5/1971 Speeth ..273/58 G 13 Claims, 4 DrawingFigures PATENTED HAY 8l973 ATHLETIC TRAINING DEVICE This inventionrelates to training devices, and more particularly to a training devicefor an athlete in a sport of the type where a ball is struck, either byan implement held by the athlete or by the athlete himself.

In the art of training athletes in sports where an instrument, the handor the foot of the athlete is used to strike and propel a ball, one ofthe primary concepts that must be learned by the athlete is to watch theball, particularly at the instant of impact. This is an extremelydifficult concept to carry out in practice, either because the athleteis looking in the direction in which the ball is intended to go, or hecloses his eyes at the moment of impact. It has been found that if ameans is provided to visually signal the athlete at the moment ofimpact, the concept of watching the ball will be reinforced. The athletelearns to watch for the visible signal, instantly knowing whether he wassuccessful in watching the ball at impact. By continued training with adevice which will create such a signal, the athlete soon obtains thehabit of watching the ball at the moment of impact, thus sharpening hisskills in the particular sport.

There are numerous devices available for accomplishing the trainingpurpose above set forth. However, the known devices are extremelycomplicated and expensive, relying on electricity or battery power tolight a lamp or other device, with expensive circuitry which may bejarred loose or become unconnected through continued use. Some suchdevices place the signaling means in the instrument and contacts theball, thus requiring the athlete to wear special equipment, carrybatteries or other power means, or the like, which equipment iscumbersome, inconvenient and restrictive in normal play.

The device in which this invention is embodied comprises, generally; atraining ball including an outer spherical member having at least aportion thereof translucent; an abrasive surface disposed inside thespherical member; and a spark producing device mounted inside the memberand engageable with an moveable across the abrasive surface. Deformationof the ball upon impact and relative movement between the abrasivesurface and the spark producing member create a spark that is visiblethrough the translucent portion of the outer spherical member.

Such a device, when struck by the implement, by hand or by foot, willcreate a visible spark through the translucent portion of the outersphere and provide something that the athlete can watch for in traininghimself to watch the ball at the instant of impact. The visible spark isnot electrically created, and therefore, needs no external circuitry orpower sources in order to operate. A simple flint and steel arrangementmay be used, which is sufficiently inexpensive that when the flint isexpended, the entire device may be replaced. Such construction isrelatively inexpensive when compared to presently available devices, yetprovides the desired visible signal viewable by the athlete. Sincebatteries or electrical power supply is not required, and operation isbased on relative movement between elements, the ball does not lose itsefficiency when stored or not in use, and the space producing operationis always available. The overall result is a training device whichreinforces the concept of watching the ball, and

the device is inexpensive to manufacture, produce and use, as well asbeing efficient in operation.

These and other advantages will become more apparent from the followingdescription, used to illustrate preferred embodiments of the inventionwhen taken with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a training device illustrating theposition of the various parts therein.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a modification of thetraining device illustrated in FIG. ll.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another modification of the deviceillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of yet another modification of thedevice illustrated in FIG. 1.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, where the various showingsare for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of theinvention only and not for purposes of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows atraining device in which the invention is embodied.

An outer spherical member, indicated generally by the numeral 10, may beformed of any suitable material, but preferably of a plastic materialhaving as similar characteristics as possible to the ball for the sportthe athlete is training for. That is to say, that should the athlete bea baseball player, the outer spherical member 10 is preferably formed ofa plastic having a size and feel similar to a normal baseball. It isnecessary that the plastic material, of which the outer spherical member10 is manufactured, be transparent or translucent, so that the signalgenerated therewithin, as will be later described, can be seen throughthe material.

Disposed within the outer spherical member is an inner spherical member,indicated generally by the numeral 12, which is also of a plasticmaterial that is transparent or translucent, so that the signaling meanscan be viewed through both spherical members. The inner spherical member12 is vented through conduits 14 so that the interior of the innerspherical member is filled with air or the like. Disposed between thespherical members 10 and K2 is a generally clear fluid, indicatedgenerally by the numeral 16, such as water, to both transmit the impactfrom the outer spherical member 10 to the inner spherical member 12 andto provide damping of movement there between.

Secured in any suitable manner in the inner spherical member R2 arespaced supports 17 which receive and retain a member 18 having anabrasive surface 20 formed thereon. Member 18 is preferably planer inform and may take the shape of a circular disk or a rectangular plate asdesired.

Also secured on the inner surface of the inner spherical member 12 is acarrier, indicated generally by the numeral 22, which extends from theinner surface of the member 12 toward the member 18. Slidably disposedin the carrier 22 and extending toward the member 18 is a sparkproducing device, indicated generally by the numeral 24!, which mayconveniently include a flint 25 of the type used in cigarette lighters,toys, and the like. A spring 26, secured to member 24 and secured to theflange 30 on the inner surface of the It will thus be seen that as theouter spherical member is struck in normal play, displaced fluid 16 willcause the spark producing member 24 to move across abrasive surface 20,thus creating a spark visible by the athlete through the inner sphericalmember 12, the fluid 16 and the outer spherical member 10. The spring 26returns the carrier and spark producing device 24 to its at restposition after the spark has been produced and the fluid pressurerelieved.

Referring next to FIG. 2, a modification of the device illustrated inFIG. 1 is shown and wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts.The outer spherical member 10 and inner spherical member 12 are in thesame relative position as illustrated in FIG. 1, and the member 18 withthe abrasive surface 20 is secured in the supports 17, mounted in theinner spherical member 12. In the modification shown in FIG. 2, thecarrier 22' is shown to be a cylinder, threaded as at 32 to be receivedin a threaded boss 34 formed in the outer spherical member 10. Disposedin the cylinder 22' is a floatable member 36, which receives the sparkproducing device 24 and further includes a spring 38 biasing the sparkproducing device 24' in a direction to engage the abrasive surface 20. Aslot 40 formed in the cylinder 22 permits the member 36 and the sparkproducing device 24 to move across the abrasive surface 20. A pair ofsprings 42 and 44 on opposite sides of the member 36 permit member 36 tofloat and return to its at rest position following impact. Apertures 28'in the cylinder 22 permit fluid 16 to enter the cylinder 22' and drivethe member 36 and the spark producing device 24 in a downward directionupon impact. A plug 46 disposed in the outer end of the cylinder 22'closes the cylinder to prevent removal of the member 36.

It will be apparent that when the outer spherical member 10 is struck,the spark producing device 24 will be caused to move across the abrasivesurface 20 and generate the spark visible to the athlete through theinner spherical member 12, the fluid 16 and the outer spherical member10. At such time as the spark producing device 24' wears down so as tobe unusable, the plug 46 may be removed from the carrier 22 and thespring 42 and member 36 removed therefrom. A new spark producing device24' may be inserted in the carrier 36 for return to the carrier 22' anduse as heretofore described. In such manner, extensive use of the deviceis obtainable.

Referring next to FIG. 3, yet another modification of the trainingdevice is illustrated. An outer spherical member, indicated generally bythe numeral 50, is of a translucent or transparent material asheretofore described, so that the spark generated therewithin is visiblethrough the member. Disposed within the outer spherical member 50 is aninner spherical member, indicated generally by the numeral 52, thecomplete outer surface of which is formed of a suitable abrasivematerial.

Disposed at spaced points around and about the inner surface of theouter spherical member 50 are a plurality of resilient members 54, inwhich are imbedded spark producing devices 56. Such devices areangularly disposed relative to the abrasive surface of the inner member52, and the resilience of the members 54 permit the spark producingdevice 56 to move across the abrasive surface to thus generate thevisible spark.

With such a device it will be apparent that the spark producing devices56, in addition to generating the visible spark, also provide theseparation between the inner spherical member 52 and the outer sphericalmember 50 as desired. An impact at any point on the outer sphericalmember 50, will cause relative movement between the two sphericalmembers 50 and 52 and those spark producing devices 56 which are spreadby such movement of the inner spherical member 52 will generate sparksvisible through the outer spherical member 50. The space between thespherical members 50 and 52 may be vented as desired, by placing holesin the outer spherical member so that air fills the space between thetwo members.

Referring next to FIG. 4, yet another modification of the device isillustrated, which is more adapted to a training ball that is held instationary position for striking by an implement. Of this nature is agolf ball, which normally sits on the ground or on a tee, or a baseballof the type used in Tee Ball", where the ball is rested on a tee forstriking by a bat. In the modification illustrated in FIG. 4, an outerspherical member, indicated generally by the numeral 60, is of anysuitable material. Once again, it is desirable that the materialapproach the characteristics of the actual ball used in the sport.However, since the ball is stationary when struck, it need not becompletely translucent or transparent, so long as a portion thereof istranslucent or transparent so that the spark generated may be seen. Aplug 62 of such translucent material may be secured in any suitablemanner in the outer spherical member 60.

At a point spaced from the translucent plug 62 may be a different typeof material 64, so disposed relative to the translucent portion 62 ofthat the portion 64 may' be the striking position on spherical member 60with" the translucent plug 62 in the line of sight of the user. Securedin the material 64 is an elongated member 66 extending to a positionbeneath the translucent portion 62. Disposed in the end of the elongatedmember 66 is a spark producing device 68 secured in the member 66 in anysuitable manner.

A wall '70 extends across the interior of the spherical member 60 andhas a boss 72 formed therein to receive the member 74. Member 74 has anabrasive surface 76 adapted to be engaged by the spark producing device68. A spring 78 is disposed between the surface of the wall and anenlargement 80 formed on the elongated device 66, such spring biasingthe elongated device 66 to its original position after an impact.

It will be apparent that with a device such as illustrated in FIG. 4,impact at the portion 64 will cause the elongated device 66 to moverelative to the member 74, carrying the spark producing device 68 acrossthe abrasive surface 76. Thus, a spark is generated which is visiblethrough the translucent portion 62 to the eye of the user. Spring 78causes the elongated device 66 and the spark producing device 68 toreturn to the at rest" position, such as illustrated in FIG. 4.

Thus, a training device is provided which is relatively simple inconstruction and yet positive in providing a flash of light visible tothe athlete and reinforcing his desire to keep his eyes open and on theball when the ball is struck. In those devices which are freely movingat the time of impact, such as a thrown ball, the spark generated isvisible at almost any position of the ball at the moment of impact. Inthe device where the ball is stationary at the time of impact, the sparkgenerated within the ball is viewable through a window always in theline of sight of the user. The overall result is a simple and economicaltraining device of relatively little cost and capable of extended use.

What is claimed is:

l. A training ball comprising:

an outer spherical member having a translucent portion;

means within said member and having an abrasive surface;

spark producing means within said spherical member and engageable withsaid abrasive surface, said spark producing means being moveable acrosssaid abrasive surface upon impact of said ball with an object to producea spark visible through said translucent portion.

2. The training ball set forth in claim 1 wherein said means within saidmember includes an inner spherical member spaced from said outerspherical member.

3. The training ball set forth in claim 2 wherein said abrasive surfaceis on the outer surface of said inner spherical member.

4. The training ball set forth in claim 3 wherein said spark producingmeans includes a plurality of spark producing members secured to theinner surface of said outer spherical member and engaging said abrasivesurface and maintaining said inner spherical member in spaced relationto said outer spherical member.

5. The training ball set forth in claim 2 wherein said abrasive surfaceis disposed across said inner spherical member.

6. The training ball set forth in claim 5 wherein said spark producingmeans includes a carrier mounted on the inner surface of said innerspherical member and extending toward said abrasive surface, and a sparkproducing member secured in said carrier and engageable with saidabrasive surface.

7. The training ball set forth in claim 6 and further including a springsecured to said carrier and secured to the inner surface of said innerspherical member and operable to bias said carrier and said sparkproducing member into engagement with said abrasive surface.

8. The training ball set forth in claim 7 and further including fluidmeans disposedbetween said outer spherical member and said innerspherical member for damping movement therebetween.

9. The training ball set forth in claim 5 wherein said spark producingmeans is secured to said outer spherical member and extends into saidinner spherical member.

110. The training ball set forth in claim 9 wherein said spark producingmeans further includes a cylindrical member extending into said innerspherical member, and a spark producing member floatably mounted in saidcylindrical member and extending outwardly therefrom to engage saidabrasive surface.

I 1. The training ball set forth in claim 10 and further including acarrier moveably mounted in said cylindrical member and receiving saidspark producing member, said carrier being removable from said cylinderfor replacing said spark producing member.

12. The training ball set forth in claim 1 wherein said means withinsaid member includes a wall extending across said member and containingsaid abrasive surface, and carrier means extending from said membertoward said abrasive surface and containing said spark producing means,said abrasive surface and said spark producing means being disposedadjacent said translucent portion of said spherical member.

13. The training ball set forth in claim 12 wherein said outer sphericalmember includes a portion spaced from said translucent portion adaptedto be struck.

a a a:

1. A training ball comprising: an outer spherical member having atranslucent portion; means within said member and having an abrasivesurface; spark producing means within said spherical member andengageable with said abrasive surface, said spark producing means beingmoveable across said abrasive surface upon impact of said ball with anobject to produce a spark visible through said translucent portion. 2.The training ball set forth in claim 1 wHerein said means within saidmember includes an inner spherical member spaced from said outerspherical member.
 3. The training ball set forth in claim 2 wherein saidabrasive surface is on the outer surface of said inner spherical member.4. The training ball set forth in claim 3 wherein said spark producingmeans includes a plurality of spark producing members secured to theinner surface of said outer spherical member and engaging said abrasivesurface and maintaining said inner spherical member in spaced relationto said outer spherical member.
 5. The training ball set forth in claim2 wherein said abrasive surface is disposed across said inner sphericalmember.
 6. The training ball set forth in claim 5 wherein said sparkproducing means includes a carrier mounted on the inner surface of saidinner spherical member and extending toward said abrasive surface, and aspark producing member secured in said carrier and engageable with saidabrasive surface.
 7. The training ball set forth in claim 6 and furtherincluding a spring secured to said carrier and secured to the innersurface of said inner spherical member and operable to bias said carrierand said spark producing member into engagement with said abrasivesurface.
 8. The training ball set forth in claim 7 and further includingfluid means disposed between said outer spherical member and said innerspherical member for damping movement therebetween.
 9. The training ballset forth in claim 5 wherein said spark producing means is secured tosaid outer spherical member and extends into said inner sphericalmember.
 10. The training ball set forth in claim 9 wherein said sparkproducing means further includes a cylindrical member extending intosaid inner spherical member, and a spark producing member floatablymounted in said cylindrical member and extending outwardly therefrom toengage said abrasive surface.
 11. The training ball set forth in claim10 and further including a carrier moveably mounted in said cylindricalmember and receiving said spark producing member, said carrier beingremovable from said cylinder for replacing said spark producing member.12. The training ball set forth in claim 1 wherein said means withinsaid member includes a wall extending across said member and containingsaid abrasive surface, and carrier means extending from said membertoward said abrasive surface and containing said spark producing means,said abrasive surface and said spark producing means being disposedadjacent said translucent portion of said spherical member.
 13. Thetraining ball set forth in claim 12 wherein said outer spherical memberincludes a portion spaced from said translucent portion adapted to bestruck.